Overview
If you are looking for a procedure to melt away excess fat that will not respond to diet or exercise, then you may have heard of Mesotherapy. Mesotherapy was originally developed by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor, in the mid-50’s, and has since gained additional exposure as documentation has accumulated.
Mesotherapy involves micro-injections of vitamins, amino acids and various medications into the layer of skin known as the mesoderm. The injections are done by a licensed medical specialist and there is no associated downtime. These injections are used to target specific areas of your body and used to treat a wide range of issues such as; cellulite, acne, wrinkles, scars, sagging skin, fat deposits and, more recently, hair loss.
Mesotherapy can also be used along with Restylane and/or Botox to reduce facial wrinkles, fine lines, etc. Fat deposits are treated by liquefying adipose fat cells by inducing cell rupture and death. Some forms of hair loss are treated with Mesotherapy by replacing vitamins and minerals and by neutralizing the DHT hormone. An excess of the DHT hormone will cause hair loss.
Mesotherapy treatment for cosmetic reasons is not FDA approved. However, the ingredients used in the injections are FDA approved.
Benefits
Benefits from Mesotherapy have been compared to liposuction and can provide a more contoured and youthful appearance. This process also can eliminate the need for surgical procedures and is considered relatively non-invasive – thus eliminating extensive recovery times. After the procedures, you will be able to resume your normal daily activities.
Patient Characteristics
The ideal patient is one who desires a more youthful appearance and has reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of the process. They should by over the age of 18 and have the maturity to fully comprehend the procedure and its’ results. They should also be in good health, both psychologically and physically.
Procedure
The procedure will involve the use of a tiny needle to deliver the micro-injections in multiple, targeted locations. If the goal of Mesotherapy is general weight loss, a larger area of the body may be treated.
In the case of cellulite treatment, one medication formula may be used to dissolve fat while another formula is used to destroy fibrous bands that are binding the skin. In some instances, special devices can be used to deliver injections.
Treatment is usually spread over 10 sessions and spaced 1-2 weeks apart. The pain level should be low, however some patients prefer the use of a topical anesthetic cream that would be applied about a half hour prior to the injections. Afterward, no bandages will be needed.
Recovery
Mesotherapy is a relatively painless procedure. However, there may be some discomfort that will directly relate to the number of micro-injections used, your skin type, size of the area treated, etc. Some minor bruising may occur which should dissipate over a few days. Due to its non-invasive nature, no bandages, girdles or prescribed pain medications are needed.
Risks Associated with Mesotherapy
As for the U.S., mesotherapy has never been listed as a cause of death nor are there any known fatally serious risks associated with mesotherapy. However, in other countries with less strict guidelines mesotherapy is known to have serious risks.
Take Brazil, for instance…at one point non-medical personnel, such as hair salon owners, were providing mesotherapy injections in bathrooms and broom closets. As a result of these poor sanitation practices, many people wound up with skin infections. As alarming and outrageous as these stories are, the U.S. has very strictly regulated laws for such procedures.
Mesotherapy Side Effects
Minimal side effects exist for those who chose mesotherapy. Topical anesthetic can be provided before the injections begin, for patients with a low tolerance for pain. However, many patients experience brief moments of slightly uncomfortable stinging and/or burning as the solution dissolves fat beneath the surface. Sporadic topical numbness has been linked to mesotherapy treatments, but this generally clears between 3 and 10 days.
Swelling and bruising near the injection spot are common. Itching, while slight and short lived, has also been reported after treatment. Discoloration of the skin is an occurrence that lasts temporarily, and usually clears away on its own.
Mesotherapy and Bruising
Surgeons understand that bruising will most likely be apparent at the spot of injection. To combat this, supplements like Arnica Montana and topical antibiotic creams could be prescribed. No strenuous exercise, and wearing baggy clothing are recommended for the first few days post mesotherapy treatment; this advice also helps to alleviate bruising.
Subsequent mesotherapy sessions will not be performed until all bruising has disappeared. Following doctors orders, in this particular case, helps to not only heal faster, but to complete all necessary treatments more quickly.
Mesotherapy and Swelling
Another one of mesotherapy’s risks is slight swelling. This is common at the injection site, where small, painless bumps may appear. Swelling from mesotherapy is mild and will only last a day or two.
Procedure Costs
Customized compounds that contain amino acids, vitamins, and various other medications make up the micro-injections that are used in mesotherapy. Because of the varying nature of what’s injected mesotherapy costs range from $250 - $350 per treatment.
It is also worth noting that several treatments are usually needed before the desired appearance is achieved. 10 – 15 mesotherapy injects can add up quickly, so always ask what the exact treatment costs would be, including that of any additional procedures if necessary.